City Taxin’

The City of Santa Barbara has a population of 90,000-plus, of which 46,700-plus are registered voters. The City Council has decided — based upon a survey of 640 persons, who may or may not be citizens of the city, that resulted in 60 percent in favor of half percent increase in the city’s sales tax — to put the issue on this November’s ballot at a great expense. The claimed tax is “to go toward projects improving sidewalks, community buildings and fire and police stations,” with no legal mandates that the tax revenues will be only used for said purposes. Citizens please advise our councilmembers your thoughts.